Program Overview

Introduction to the Birth Equity Clinical Scholar Training Program (BEST)

The Birth Equity Clinical Scholars Training Program (BEST) is designed for medical residents and fellows. Sponsored by the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Medicine, and Population Health, the program focuses on educating, engaging, and empowering healthcare providers to create and sustain inclusive, accessible, and equitable maternal care.

About the Program

Mission

To engage and empower providers to create and sustain inclusive, accessible, and equitable maternal care.

Scholar Expectations

Birth Equity Scholars are expected to:

• Complete the online birth equity training (5-module online course)
• Attend monthly sessions and didactics
• Work with a mentor team and fellow scholars to complete a research project
• Engage with a community-based maternal and child health
• Disseminate research project results at the annual Resident Research Day
• Learn about policy-making in Kansas

Reasonable accommodations will be made for Birth Equity Scholars to complete all activities.

Meet the Scholars

The program features scholars from various backgrounds, including:

• Elizabeth Pryor, M.D. (PGY-3)
• Hannah Billings, M.D. (PGY-3)
• Madeline McFarland, M.D. (PGY-2)
• Noria McCarther, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow (PGY-7)

Past Scholars include:

• Leslie Whittenburg, M.D.
• Erika Gazzetta, M.D., MPH
• Sierra Miller, D.O., M.A.
• Victoria Resendez, M.D.
• Aleshia Thompson, M.D.
• Rebecca Yang, M.D.
• Brittany Elliott, M.D.

Program Leadership

The program is led by:

• Sharla Smith, Ph.D., MPH, Founder & Director
• Kelsie A. Kelly, M.D., MPH, Co-Director
• Kelli Krase, M.D., FACOG, Co-Director
• Daijah Jones, Project Manager
• Oluoma Obi, Project Director

Eligibility and Application Information

The BEST Program is open to:

• Fellows in the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology or Family and Community Medicine
• Medical residents in the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology or Family and Community Medicine in their last two years of residency

Applications open in the spring of each year.

Research and Education

The program integrates online learning, mentorship, and research projects to address disparities in maternal and child health. Scholars will have the opportunity to engage in research projects and disseminate their results at the annual Resident Research Day. The program also focuses on policy-making in Kansas, providing scholars with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system.